State agriculture departments laud proposed “Waters of the United States” rule

With today's release of their revised 'Waters of the U.S.' rule, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers have duly recognized states' expertise in managing and protecting local land and water resources.

"NASDA appreciates EPA listening to input from state departments of agriculture and other stakeholders regarding problems with prior WOTUS rulemakings. NASDA is pleased that our federal colleagues are now working cooperatively with state co-regulators to ensure the goals of the Clean Water Act are met while minimizing unjustified interference with agricultural and other activities that feed, clothe, and house Americans and drive our nations' economy," NASDA CEO Ted McKinney said.

As NASDA has previously shared, states currently are responsible for enforcing more than 96 percent of federal water laws as designed by the Clean Water Act of 1972. The historic legislation served as a catalyst for the layers of stringent local, state and federal water regulations in place today and has led to dramatic improvements in water quality over the past 50 years.

"NASDA is excited to properly re-engage with EPA under cooperative federalism to ensure our local water resources are protected and farmers have the information and resources they need to make the best decisions about how to manage their land."

NASDA will continue to review the proposed rule and intends to offer detailed comments in due course.

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NASDA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association which represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries, and directors of the departments of agriculture in all fifty states and four U.S. territories. NASDA grows and enhances American agriculture through policy, partnerships and public engagement.